The Hawaii County Council voted to approve a bill restricting the planting of genetically modified crops to enclosed structures such as greenhouses. Critics say the measure will give growers elsewhere a competitive advantage.

Papaya farmers and others who already grow genetically modified crops would be exempted.

Kenoi says in a message to the council that the new ordinance conveys a desire to support community-based farming and ranching over global agribusiness corporations.

The Kauai County Council voted last month to override a veto of a bill requiring large farms to disclose use of genetically modified crops.